Transport · Incheon
Severe autumn downpours and wind gusts up to 94 km/h caused 40 flight cancellations and 34 delays at Incheon International Airport on Sunday. Across Seoul, fallen autumn leaves clogged roadside drainpipes, triggering underpass closures in Seodaemun-gu and trapping shoppers in Gangnam parking garages for hours. While rain advisories lifted early Monday morning, ground transit operators caution drivers to expect residual mud and debris.
So what
Check your airline's departure status online before heading to Incheon Airport and allow extra travel buffer on Seoul buses and taxis.
Events · Seoul
The Presidential Security Service has officially reopened a 1.32-kilometer hiking trail on the southwestern slope of Bugaksan Mountain behind the Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae). Restricted from public access for 59 years due to security measures, the route now offers panoramic views overlooking central Seoul. Hikers can access the restored trail daily starting October 17 without prior security clearance.
So what
Wear sturdy walking shoes and visit the trail behind the Blue House for historic views of central Seoul that were off-limits for six decades.
Culture
Foreign visitor healthcare spending in South Korea reached ₩1.84 trillion (~$1.31 billion) during the first nine months of the year, nearly tripling pharmacy sales compared to 2025. Data from Korea Tourism Data Lab reveals that 7 out of 10 foreign medical card payments now take place in pharmacies. Tourists are increasingly pairing dermatology clinic visits with direct pharmacy purchases of specialized post-treatment skincare and wellness goods.
So what
If you are planning skin clinic appointments in Seoul, look for English-friendly pharmacies nearby that stock clinic-recommended skincare creams and sun care products.
Culture · Seoul
SM Entertainment boy group RIIZE officially kicked off the promotional teaser rollout for their upcoming music release. The group confirmed that their brand-new digital single titled 'Insomnia' will premiere globally on October 26 at midnight KST. The announcement follows initial visual teasers posted across the group's official social channels.
So what
Save midnight KST on October 26 to your streaming queue if you track RIIZE's new single release and promotional performances.
Culture · Seoul
ITZY member Chaeryeong has published the official promotional schedule, tracklist, and teaser video for her solo debut album 'Lovesick.' JYP Entertainment announced that the mini album and its title track music video will drop simultaneously on November 9 at 6 p.m. KST. She becomes the latest member of the quintet to launch standalone solo promotions.
So what
Look out for pre-order announcements and streaming links ahead of Chaeryeong's November 9 album release.
Money
Retail conglomerate Shinsegae Group announced its seventh annual 'SSG Day' promotion running from October 30 through November 8 across 18 subsidiaries. Participating outlets including E-Mart and Shinsegae Department Store will offer up to 50% discounts on Hanwoo Korean beef and up to 70% cuts on select fashion and cosmetics. The group has prepared 16 flagship signature promotional items for the nationwide sale.
So what
Hold off on major retail shopping or high-end grocery sprees until October 30 to take advantage of steep Department Store and E-Mart promotions.
Life
South Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare has issued legislative guidelines restricting first-time telemedicine appointments to clinics located in the patient's registered municipal district. Under the rules taking effect December 24, initial non-face-to-face consultations will limit prescription lengths to a maximum of 7 days in principle. Patients who have seen a specific clinic in person within the past six months may continue receiving remote care regardless of geographical distance.
So what
If you are an expat planning to use app-based telemedicine, schedule an initial in-person visit with a local neighborhood clinic first to establish your eligibility.
Culture · Seoul
Rookie boy group NEXZ successfully wrapped up a two-night concert run in Seoul on October 17 and 18 at Olympic Park. Following the shows, JYP Entertainment unveiled the stops and schedule for their first-ever regional tour, 'SAUCIN’ THE WORLD.' The tour will head across major cities in Japan before visiting additional destinations throughout Asia in 2027.
So what
If you follow NEXZ, check JYP's official tour schedule for 2027 ticketing windows in Japan and Asian hubs.